Deomali Hill — Attraction in Odisha

Deomali peak, with an elevation of about 1,672 metres from sea level, is the highest peak in the state. It is situated close to Doodhari village, 35km from Koraput. The beauty of the hill range and picturesque 5km-long flat surface atop the mountain, where an ‘m’ shaped peak can be spotted, would leave a lasting impression on a visitor’s mind. The best time to visit the hills is either during summer or winter. Only during the rainy season, tourists can face problems due to bad roads at certain patches. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 200km via road from the district headquarters town of Koraput. The town is also well connected with trains and bus routes from the state and Andhra Pradesh. One can also take a bus from Bhubaneswar, 500km away. These days many tourists are also opting for train services from eastern, south-eastern and southern railways. A person visiting Deomali hills should ideally stay in Koraput, also known as Sabara Srikhetra of Orissa. The Jagannath temple in the town is one of the best in the region. Hotels such as, Raj Residency, with a tariff of Rs 500 to Rs 1,400 can be a viable option. However, staying at the guesthouse of the Jagannath temple could also be an experience of a lifetime as the Deomali hills can be seen from the temple compound. The charge for a double room (non-air-conditioned) is Rs 250 and for one with AC it is Rs 400. Deomali is 60km from Koraput and one has to pass though another small town called Semiliguda on way to the peak. Reaching Deomali takes around two-and-a-half hours by luxury cars. The two-way journey and stay for the entire day is manageable with Rs 1,500. One can reach the hilltop that resembles the runway of a tabletop airport. The ‘m’ shaped peak is Deomali and one has to climb it in a group to enjoy the most. “Travelling to Deomali during the day time is safe and visitors can enjoy the most in winter and early summer days up to March,” said an official. Pradeep Mishra, wildlife researcher of the forest department and local resident of Koraput town, said although on top of the Deomali hills rare plants are seen in plenty, the area is full of reptiles such as gecko and snakes. “I have seen at least four varieties of rare orchids on top of the hill. The environment in the hill range is ideal for proliferation and survival of the orchids like that of Similipal Biosphere Reserve in north Orissa. As orchid species are sensitive and act as bio-indicators for a biological system, their existence also tells about the floral richness. Many varieties of rare and endangered medicinal plants are also seen in the hill ranges,” he said. After visiting Deomali, one can plan a trip to other popular attractions nearby such as, Nandapur, 25km from Similiguda, famous for its ‘batris simhasan’. According to history, the erstwhile king of Jeypore Vikramdev had built the structure and now a beautiful Ganesh temple is there. It is 22km from Jeypore town. Other attractions include a place called Subai for its Jain relics. Rani gumpha is also famous for its ancient caves and Jain relics. Of late, it has become a beautiful picnic spot. Another place nearby is Gupteswar, famous for its Shiva lingam. It is 60km from Jeypore. The famous waterfall of Duduma near Machhkund reservoir is not open for public due to increasing Maoist activities in the region. Another place called Gulmi is 15km from Kotpad. It is renowned for its hills with green cover, streams and a beautiful valley. People can also visit the Chitrakoot Falls, 50km from Kotpad town inside Chhattisgarh. Locally, it is called as ‘mini Niagara’. It is on the Indravati river and there is no entry fee. “The Deomali experience has always been a special one. You should be there on top of the peak to see the surrounding, experience the clouds, the grassland type ecosystem and scenic localities. Although now I stay in Hyderabad, I cannot erase the memory of my first visit to the Deomali peak,” said Ravindra Verma, who works with an IT firm. Reptiles seen in Deomali include more than 20...

Deomali Hills, located in the state of Odisha in eastern India, is a prominent mountain range that holds great significance both in terms of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is the highest peak in the state and is a part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. Here's a description of the Deomali Hills:

Location: Deomali Hills are situated in the Koraput district of Odisha, near the border with the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. The hills cover an area of approximately 300 square kilometers.

Elevation: The highest peak of Deomali Hills stands at an impressive height of 1,672 meters (5,485 feet) above sea level. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Biodiversity: The hills are characterized by rich biodiversity, harboring a variety of flora and fauna. The lush green forests are home to several species of plants, animals, and birds. The diverse ecosystem of Deomali Hills adds to its natural beauty and ecological importance.

Cultural Significance: Apart from its natural wonders, Deomali Hills are also of cultural significance. The region is inhabited by indigenous tribal communities, including the Kutia Kondh and Soura tribes, who have a deep connection with the land. The tribes follow their traditional way of life and have unique customs, rituals, and folk traditions that add to the cultural richness of the area.

Trekking and Adventure: Deomali Hills offer excellent opportunities for trekking and adventure activities. The challenging terrains, dense forests, and scenic landscapes attract adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Trekking to the summit of Deomali provides an exhilarating experience and a chance to explore the unspoiled beauty of the region.

Tourist Attractions: Besides trekking, Deomali Hills offer other tourist attractions as well. The nearby villages give visitors a chance to experience the local tribal culture and interact with the indigenous communities. The picturesque waterfalls, such as the Duduma and Katramal Falls, are popular tourist spots that are worth visiting.

Conservation Efforts: Due to its ecological significance, the government and environmental organizations have undertaken conservation efforts to preserve the natural heritage of Deomali Hills. Initiatives like afforestation, wildlife conservation, and promoting sustainable tourism are being implemented to protect the region's flora, fauna, and cultural diversity.

In summary, Deomali Hills of Odisha are a captivating mountain range known for their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities. They provide a haven for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and those interested in experiencing the indigenous tribal culture. With its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, Deomali Hills continue to be a cherished destination for visitors seeking a unique and...

Deomali: The Highest Mountain Peak of Odisha

Deomali, the highest mountain peak in Odisha, is a mesmerizing destination for nature lovers. It offers awe-inspiring views of mountain chains that surround the peak. The breathtaking sunrise and sunset views are not to be missed. Deomali is also a great spot for camping, with a ready-made tent setup established by the Government of Odisha in a designated area. These tents, suitable for two people, currently cost ₹1,000 (as of January 26, 2025). For a cozy campfire, firewood bundles are available at ₹300 each.

An eco-tourism facility is also available in the area, but same-day direct booking is not an option. Visitors need to book accommodations in advance through the Odisha Tourism website. The eco-tourism package includes rooms costing approximately ₹5,000 for two people.

Adventure activities like parasailing and zip-lining have been introduced but are currently non-operational due to some issues.

Pros Spectacular Scenery: Deomali is an amazing tourist spot, attracting visitors from all over Odisha and neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Its status as the highest peak in Odisha makes it particularly appealing to locals. Camping Facilities: Ready-made tent setups, campfires, and the serene environment make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons Poor Road Connectivity: Despite collecting entry fees from vehicles, the condition of the roads leading to Deomali is poor and requires significant improvement. Lack of Sanitation Facilities: There are no public washroom facilities, not even paid ones. This poses a serious problem for visitors, especially women, creating an inconvenient and embarrassing situation for many. Plastic Pollution: Plastic waste is scattered across the hill despite banners highlighting a ban on its use. Unfortunately, this regulation is not being strictly enforced.

Deomali is undoubtedly a gem of Odisha’s tourism landscape. However, authorities must address key issues like improving road connectivity, providing sanitation facilities, and tackling plastic pollution to make it a truly world-class...